The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) works to prevent the introduction and spread of destructive invasive species in Minnesota. For some organisms, regulating the movement of certain products or materials can help to prevent introductions and spread.

Quarantine and Compliance Agreement Information

Quarantines help prevent potentially dangerous or destructive organisms from spreading into new areas. For example, a quarantine for the emerald ash borer is meant to prevent the movement of infested firewood or ash wood that might harbor emerald ash borer life stages.

When a need exists to move an item that could transport a regulated organism out of a quarantine area a compliance agreement is issued. A compliance agreement describes what steps will be taken by the entity to ensure that the regulated organism is not moved along with the item. A compliance agreement can be obtained through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or United States Department of Agriculture. Contact the MDA if you need a compliance agreement.

Insects and Pathogens Regulated Under Quarantines in Minnesota

Emerald Ash Borer – a number of counties are quarantined to prevent the spread of EAB within Minnesota

Gypsy Moth – a number of counties are quarantined to prevent the spread of gypsy moth within Minnesota

Mountain Pine Beetle – pine wood with bark from the western U.S. is prohibited from entering Minnesota due to mountain pine beetle